Bayou Rum is rebranding its Louisiana rums and adding to the portfolio, in order to tap into the thriving premium rum and craft spirit sectors.

The producer is adding Bayou Single Barrel Batch 001 and Bayou XO Mardi Gras, and it is also introducing new packaging for the full range of rums, with a focus on the Louisiana provenance and craft distilling traditions.

Hugues Pietrini, Stoli Group president and global ceo, said: “Our vision for Bayou Rum is to become the leader and benchmark of high-end sipping rums in the fastest growing segment in the industry. We are committed to our Louisiana roots and work from start to finish with our distillery team on creating exceptional rum. With the launch of XO and Single Barrel, dark spirit consumers will finally have a serious offer from the US in the super-premium sipping rum space.”

Bayou Single Barrel Batch 001 uses barrels hand-picked by master blender Reiniel Vicente, a second-generation rum maker originally from Cuba. The rum was aged in previously filled rye barrels for two years and four months before being declared complete. This spirit delivers the signature balanced notes synonymous with Bayou, according to the producer, and this is paired with the complex addition of spice, marshmallow and crème brulee.

Vicente said: “Bayou Single Barrel reflects the extent and prowess of our craft distilling, ageing and blending capabilities. No shortcuts, no holding back – just the finest Louisiana raw materials matched with patience, creativity and passion. I am extremely proud of this new spirit, and our team’s meticulous attention to detail and the artful ageing process is captured in each bottle of Single Barrel Batch 001.”